We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Urgently fulfil humanitarian obligations to Gaza
Gov Responded - 8 Aug 2025 Debated on - 24 Nov 2025Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
As stated in my answer to Question 105155, the UK and Ireland are jointly committed to deepening our security and defence cooperation on the full range of threats facing both our countries. That includes countering Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) actively monitors and manages fraud, bribery, corruption and error risks across its Official Development Assistance (ODA) portfolio through a range of controls, reporting mechanisms and ongoing risk assessments. Available estimates in this area can be found in the section on fraud at pages 167-169 of the FCDO's 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts, and in equivalent sections in previous years' reports.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given on 1 December 2025 to Questions 92971-73.
Belarus continues to support Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, including the stationing of Oreshnik missiles on its soil, and we remain clear that Belarus must end that support and return to compliance with international law.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given on 1 December 2025 to Questions 92971-73.
Belarus continues to support Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, including the stationing of Oreshnik missiles on its soil, and we remain clear that Belarus must end that support and return to compliance with international law.
UK nationals travelling for the purposes of taking up work or providing a service in a Member State will need a visa and/or work permit to work in most EU countries. While the visa policy of EU Member States is a matter for those countries, the Government will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals.
We will announce further details in the near future of the 12 March conference to help establish an International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine, including attendees, and I thank the Hon Member for her constructive proposals. On her letter of 7 November 2025, I apologise for the delay in responding, and I will ensure that a reply is with her shortly.
The UK is committed to supporting the delivery of the 20-point peace plan for Gaza, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council on 17 November 2025. We continue to monitor the situation in Gaza closely, alongside our international partners.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 November in response to Question 87351.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 November in response to Question 87351.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 3 October 2025 in response to Question 75586.
Yes. Where such appointments are made, individuals are appointed on a standard Civil Service Fixed Term Contract and are subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Code.
I refer the Hon Member to the answers that the Foreign Secretary and I provided on this issue at departmental oral questions on 20 January.
Afghanistan is a focus country in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's approach to freedom of religion or belief, announced on 8 July 2025, and officials regularly press the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans. We work with international partners to maintain collective pressure on the Taliban to reverse their inhuman restrictions, including on freedom of religion or belief. We continue to support the UN Special Rapporteur and his mandate to document human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Upholding human rights and basic freedoms are not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive and prosperous country for all Afghans. Without inclusive governance that reflects Afghanistan's religious, ethnic, gender and cultural diversity, we will never see an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbours.
The Foreign Secretary spoke to Foreign Minister al Shaibani on 20 January to urge the Syrian Government to uphold the ceasefire in North-East Syria, halt further violence, and protect Kurdish rights. We have consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians, including the Kurdish community, both publicly and as part of our engagement with the Syrian Government.
I thank the Hon Member for his letter and he will receive a reply shortly.
It is the UK's long-standing policy that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 January in response to Questions 106571-78.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 January in response to Questions 106571-78.
The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), including those related to climate change, at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Where available, details of additional expenditure incurred in meeting the FCDO's net zero commitments is set out in the department's annual report and accounts.
Ministers, officials and executives from a wide range of UK departments and agencies are in regular dialogue with US interlocutors on an equally wide range of issues. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not hold records of all such discussions.
Ministers, officials and executives from a wide range of UK departments and agencies are in regular dialogue with US interlocutors on an equally wide range of issues. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not hold records of all such discussions.
The Government is taking decisive action alongside international partners to increase pressure on Russian energy revenues. Last year, the UK and US sanctioned Russia's four oil majors. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. On 15 January, the Government announced that we would move alongside the EU in lowering the Oil Price Cap on Russia crude from $47.60 to $44.10 per barrel. The UK and EU have both announced bans on the import of refined oil of Russian origin and both will introduce maritime services bans relating to Russian Liquefied Natural Gas.
We have led international efforts to disrupt Russia's shadow fleet. The UK has now specified 545 vessels under the Russia sanctions regime, including 520 oil tankers and 16 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
The Government is taking decisive action alongside international partners to increase pressure on Russian energy revenues. Last year, the UK and US sanctioned Russia's four oil majors. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. On 15 January, the Government announced that we would move alongside the EU in lowering the Oil Price Cap on Russia crude from $47.60 to $44.10 per barrel. The UK and EU have both announced bans on the import of refined oil of Russian origin and both will introduce maritime services bans relating to Russian Liquefied Natural Gas.
We have led international efforts to disrupt Russia's shadow fleet. The UK has now specified 545 vessels under the Russia sanctions regime, including 520 oil tankers and 16 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
The Government is taking decisive action alongside international partners to increase pressure on Russian energy revenues. Last year, the UK and US sanctioned Russia's four oil majors. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. On 15 January, the Government announced that we would move alongside the EU in lowering the Oil Price Cap on Russia crude from $47.60 to $44.10 per barrel. The UK and EU have both announced bans on the import of refined oil of Russian origin and both will introduce maritime services bans relating to Russian Liquefied Natural Gas.
We have led international efforts to disrupt Russia's shadow fleet. The UK has now specified 545 vessels under the Russia sanctions regime, including 520 oil tankers and 16 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
I refer the Hon Member to the written ministerial statement I gave to the House on 15 December 2025 (HCWS1166).
The UK reports its Official Development Assistance spend on a calendar year basis in the Statistics on International Development, including the amount spent on in-donor refugee costs.
We are working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. We plan to publish indicative allocations for the next three years in the coming months.
We are working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. We plan to publish indicative allocations for the next three years in the coming months.
We are closely monitoring the developing situation in Syria and the threat posed by extremist groups, including Daesh and Al Qaeda-linked groups. Daesh's ability to direct, enable and inspire attacks remains one of the most significant global terrorist threats, including to the UK, our people and our interests overseas. The safety and security of the UK and its people remains the foremost priority of this Government and we are working closely with international partners, including the Global Coalition against Daesh, to mitigate risks to the UK and shared national security risks.
We continue to monitor Iran's violations of the rights of religious minorities, and are committed to working with international partners to hold Iran to account. My Hon Friend the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, has worked closely on this issue - including hosting events in partnership with with Open Doors and Christian Solidarity Worldwide. We were integral to the delivery of an Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November 2025, which called on Iran to ensure Iranians have the right to freedom of religion or belief in accordance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
I refer the Hon Member to the responses given on 20 January to the identical set of questions asked by his colleague, the Member for South Cambridgeshire, on 12 January (UINs 105089, 105090, 105095 and 105097)
I refer the Hon Member to the responses given on 20 January to the identical set of questions asked by his colleague, the Member for South Cambridgeshire, on 12 January (UINs 105089, 105090, 105095 and 105097)
I refer the Hon Member to the responses given on 20 January to the identical set of questions asked by his colleague, the Member for South Cambridgeshire, on 12 January (UINs 105089, 105090, 105095 and 105097)
I refer the Hon Member to the responses given on 20 January to the identical set of questions asked by his colleague, the Member for South Cambridgeshire, on 12 January (UINs 105089, 105090, 105095 and 105097)
We have supported a number of sick and injured children to leave Gaza and receive treatment in the UK. We continue to seek the most effective ways to deploy the UK's resources to meet healthcare needs in Gaza and the region and will update on this in due course.
I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 13 January, and to my responses in the Urgent Question debate on 19 January.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement to the House I made on 5 January, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and several of her counterparts on 30 December, available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jointstatementon-the-gaza-humanitarian-response
I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 20 January to Question 106167. Last week, Minister Falconer met members of the Foreman family, and we continue to raise the case directly with the Iranian authorities.
It is the UK's long-standing position that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa to decide through a consultative process and dialogue, in line with the principles of the UN charter.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to my speech at the launch of the Asia House Outlook 2026 on 15 January, available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/asia-house-outlook-2026-keynote-speech. Additionally, my speech at the 2025 Indo-Pacific Conference at King's College London is available on GOV.UK here: 2025 Indo-Pacific Conference: Minister Malhotra keynote speech - GOV.UK
It has been the normal practice under successive governments, including the one in which the Noble Lord served, for the details of individual severance payments received by ministers to be disclosed on a named basis in departmental annual reports, but for payments made to senior officials, special advisers and other employees to be disclosed anonymously.
It has been the normal practice under successive governments, including the one in which the Noble Lord served, for the details of individual severance payments received by ministers to be disclosed on a named basis in departmental annual reports, but for payments made to senior officials, special advisers and other employees to be disclosed anonymously.
It has been the normal practice under successive governments, including the one in which the Noble Lord served, for the details of individual severance payments received by ministers to be disclosed on a named basis in departmental annual reports, but for payments made to senior officials, special advisers and other employees to be disclosed anonymously.
The UK condemns all religiously motivated violence in Bangladesh.
We have consistently raised the importance of protecting religious minorities with the Bangladeshi authorities, including during visits by the UK Human Rights Ambassador in February 2025, and Baroness Chapman in November. The British High Commission also meets with civil society groups and minority communities.
Bangladesh's Interim Government has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities-Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Muslim-including in a statement on 10 January. This statement set out steps being taken by the Home Ministry to respond rapidly to incidents, protect victims and witnesses, and ensure the law is applied fairly.
Our commitment to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is reflected through our engagement with civil society groups and minority communities as well as our £27 million Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme (2023-2028). The programme aims to protect civic space, foster inclusive dialogue, and address tensions that can lead to violence.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 September 2025 to Question 74449. Subsequent to that, in December 2025, the Peace Implementation Council and representatives of political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) met to discuss long‑term solutions to BiH's challenges, including democratic reform. The UK will continue to work with international partners, including the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and local actors in BiH to promote democratic rights and support reform.
We are aware of media reporting regarding a recent mobilisation of Chinese fishing vessels in the East China Sea. The UK has enduring interests in the Indo-Pacific and is committed to maintaining regional security and stability. We are committed to international law, the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to freedom of navigation and overflight.
We follow political and security developments in Kosovo closely, including in the northern municipalities, with British Embassy staff travelling and engaging with communities across the country. We also work closely with international partners, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Kosovo Force (KFOR), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the EU to monitor developments and support efforts to reduce tensions and maintain stability.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer she received on 20 January in response to Questions 104701-02.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer she received on 20 January in response to Questions 104701-02.